Playing with Tong Tong! Food is cooking and I'm watching As The World Turns! I'm home! Merry Christmas!

It's all about Joe

The ad speaks for itself.

The Bill on Capital Hill

Looks like the Healthcare reform/insurance company payoff is about to roll through the Senate. Good, right? Next up is the House and Senate in committee to come to an agreement on the two bills each passed. Hmmmm...I wonder if the public option will survive.

Congress, the American people are watching.

A few questions...

• If the people want a public option, why don't we have it.
• How could Americans not see that we need healthcare reform?
• If you're not for the public option, what are you for?
• Have your healthcare costs go up and services gone down?
• Is a 20 million dollar salary justified for a CEO of a healthcare company?
  

Kindle or Nook

The next gadget to get after my HDTV (or before) will be an ebook reader. The top two contenders are The Nook and The Kindle. These are my needs.

• I need to read more, but I hate to carry around books. They take up valuable bag space and make it heavy.
• I'd like a way to check out my blogs and books wherever I am (subway or park).
• I love new gadgets
  

Enter...the ereader.

Do I really need it? No, but it would be nice for the train and give me a chance to read more. I'm leaning toward The Nook because you can put any book on it vs. being tied to the Amazon store with the Kindle. I hate being tied down to anything. Engadget recently reviewed The Nook and said the interface was slightly disappointing. That may be the case, but that can be fixed with a software update. I want to be able to put books on my device for free. I should put off my purchase until after my birthday.

$259.00 isn't that bad. The Kindle used to be 399. I think $259 is a much better price. i know I would use it more than I would a PSP 3000 for $169.99.

The Lovely Bones

Whoa. I'm reading this book and it's so sad. There are parts where I'm sad and angry, but it's such a fascinating read.

Comcast buys NBC

It's not a good day for consumers.

Comcast is a cable company that charges a monthly service to provide content, internet and voice. NBC offers a free programming with commercials. Hulu provides free content with some advertisement. Comcast brought a major stake in NBC, a creative company.

I never like when business and creative companies mix like this. Obviously, Comcast will have a huge say in what programming is put on the channels they provide to their paying customers. Maybe that's not such a big deal, but Comcast has a reputation for limiting content and overcharging it's customers.

Just another example of business under regulation.

"Plus One"

I'm a huge fan of Sex and the City and the majority of my love of the show is the writing. I will find the episode later, but there's one about always having a plus one!

With the holidays here. Where you accept invites to parties, people always ask, "Who are you bringing?" My answer, "Me, myself and I".

Levi's gay commercial

Whaaaaaat!! We should at least see this commercial in New York City.

Gay Origins

Funny, but when are people going to learn. Stay out of my business.

A New Moon tonight

Yes, I'm seeing the midnight show in New York City tonight! Fun, Fun. Popcorn and other fans...

Kellan Lutz on Ellen is below. He's definitely my second favorite vampire.

"If I Were In Porn" - Beyonce song Parody

WHHHAAAAATT!

Now I know why B got this game!

I'm at the barbershop now. I don't know what I'm wearing, but at least I will have a haircut.

Modern Warfare 2

I never knew I'd be that guy who'd play Call of Duty.

I'm a PS3 fanboy and resist paying full price for a game unless it's a PS3 exclusive title. Why should I pay full price for a "ported" title? "Ported" means that they made it for the Xbox 360 and just "moved" it over (with a few tweeks) to the Playstation 3. The PS3 has the capabilities to make a visually beautiful game. Just check out screenshots of Uncharted 2 or Killzone 2. We pay the same amount for the game for something that "just works". It's embarrassing. The PS3 is capable of much more.

I resisted for a day and then broke down. I decided to get it because I wanted to rank up with everyone else and experience the madness that is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Below is a good summary of what the game is about. I'm playing the single player campaign now and I'm loving it. There's just not enough time in the day when you have a job.

Video Games - E3 2009 - X-Play

Congrats Andy

He's of French and Italian decent. Goodness. I love french fries and lasagna!

Now I don't watch Baseball at all. I used to play when I was 8 years old. Andy Pettitte gives me reason to watch again. He's articulate and sexy.

You're a lucky woman Laura (his wife). I have to mention that the names of his children are beautiful.

Joshua Blake
Jared
Lexy Grace
Luke Jackson

I guess this makes me a Yankee fan!

Go Andy!!!

Bloomberg Wins

I loved that I wasn't the only one that voted for Bill Thompson to win. I just refused to vote for someone who had the money to buy the election. Another corporate, self centered jerk with a HUGE bank account.

Wii Games - A Thought

The Wii is the most popular gaming console right now. It's not necessarily the best. I'd say the PS3 is because it's got the best hardware and game development. There are also tons of games for it. Tons of casual, worthless pieces of junk.

My point.. is just because you have the most applications doesn't mean anything. I put more value on quality vs. quantity.

Glee at the World Series

Love it!

Dragon Age

This game looks amazing, but I just don't have the time to play it. Boy!

The Public Option

I'm about sick of the Senate's behavior. How dare they say that if there's a public option then it would hurt the private industry. The Americans have been burned by the private insurance companies and want a change. More and more we see that Congress aren't on the side of the people but are worried about the money from lobbyists.

I just don't get it. It's an option. What about all the newly unemployed people out there? Who can afford cobra? For a family that could mean $1500 a month or $500 for a single person . It's just all wrong and makes me sick. Why are the Senate so protective of the insurance companies? The people have spoken. Are the senators just ignoring the people that votes for them?

I say the senators/congressmen that doesn't vote for this option will not be re-elected.

They will have to listen to that.

Its here mobile blogging. Yeah

Capricorn Horoscope

"There are two rules for ultimate success in life," wrote L. M. Boyd. "First, never tell everything you know." While that may be the conventional wisdom about how to build up one's personal power, I prefer to live by a different principle. Personally, I find that as I divulge everything I know, I keep knowing more and more that wasn't available to me before. The act of sharing connects me to fresh sources. Open-hearted communication doesn't weaken me, but just the reverse: It feeds my vitality. This is the approach I recommend to you in the coming days, Capricorn. Do indeed tell everything you know.

Hadi's in NYC

Hadi is on vacation and is in NYC. Tonight we had dinner at Cafeteria with he and his partner. It was great. I had never met him in person it was great seeing him in person. I have to say that it was wonderful communicating in the flesh. He surprised me with some gifts. I especially enjoyed the gifts in the pic below.

Tomorrow we're going to Woodbury Commons for a day of shopping.

Dreamland

Socialism

so⋅cial⋅ism

  /ˈsoʊʃəˌlɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [soh-shuh-liz-uhm] Show IPA

Use socialism in a Sentence

See web results for socialism

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–noun

1.	a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

2.	procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.

3.	(in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.

Madonna in NYC

Why is it I don't know when she's in town? I need to work on that. I would have gone to see her at David Letterman's studio.

Weiner Circle

This American Life. I went to Chicago this summer and I stayed on the North side of the city and saw maybe five black people. What a comment on Americans and humans in general. I was disgusted by this. People wonder why black folks stay together during lunch, etc.

At first I thought it was amusing, but when the behavior was positively reinforced the white customers let all their "real" feelings out. "Monkey" this and "black bitch" that. There's even a saying called, "Milkshake" that I'll let the video explain. The African Americans can respond as rudely as they'd like, but the white customers know that there will be no real societal consequences for their inappropriate behavior. If this was happening on the street, those customers would get beat down! AND THEY KNOW IT. Which leads me to think? How far have we really come? What do white people really think of black people?

You know what? I don't give a fuck!

Gleefully Excited

I saw Glee last night and loved it. There I said it!

I had heard about the show for a while, but felt that I wouldn’t buy into the hype before I was ready. All I have to say is, I’m glad I waited until last night to watch it because I couldn’t wait to see another episode. My high school experience was segmented. I went to a Visual and Performing Arts high school and was in the Concert Band, Pep Band and Orchestra. On top of that I was quiet and weighed about 300lbs. Not the best mix. Drama Club & Chorus was something I dreamed about doing, but didn’t feel comfortable pursuing because I didn’t like the way I looked and wasn’t comfortable with being in the spotlight. I think the first time I danced in front of anyone was at our Senior class trip to Jamaica and I was very tipsy when I did that (the legal age to drink in Jamaica was/is 16 y/o)

It seemed liked Drama and Chorus was a great way to express yourself, but I was way to shy to do it. That didn’t change until I went to college lost some weight. When the theatre bug bit me, I knew I could do this forever. Glee is a show about kids that want to belong to a community and be proud of themselves. The bonds that you make when working together creates some amazing friendships. I’m so envious of the kids portrayed because I wish I had the courage in high school perform like that. To this day I don’t know of anything else that would give me joy like performing unless I was working as an editor at Harper’s Bazaar.

Shout outs to:
Lea Michele – your "Take a Bow" was amazing. Nice to hear you belt
Matthew Morrison “Go head girl, go head get down”
Jane Lynch – “when I saw an elementary school production of Hair”

On top of my connection to it. They're got a great team of writers, actors and producers that make this show one to watch this season. I just hope it doesn't go the way of Pushing Daisies. It always seems that good show don't do well. (that's how I see it)

Beyonce Performance

I saw this and had to share. What a moment. The little girl has leukemia.

**UPDATE**
The video was pulled** But I got it back!!!!

PSP Go

This is something I want for Christmas.

I don't know how I'll be able to read, and play games, but this device is really compelling. Maybe instead of a new mp3 player I'll get myself a PSP Go. It's got:

• Real Games (Motor Storm, God of War)
• Internet
• Bluetooth
• Music/Video Player
• PSN Store Access
• It looks lovely

Check it out

The Four Agreements

I keep this list by my desk. It keeps so much in perspective.

1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best

MP3 Player

My wishlist for an mp3 Player would be.

• wifi capable
• camera
• stereo bluetooth
• mic
• FM Radio
• colors
• speakers

That would be my wish.

Are you In or Out

I saw, "The September Issue" Sunday night. It gave a great glimpse into the creation of the huge Vogue issue. September and February are the issues you want from your favorite fashion magazines. I've never been a big Vogue person (too commercial). I had a subscription to Harper's Bazaar and it was so much fun to see the trends and the colors for the seasons. At one point I would watch all the Bryant Park shows on NY1. That's another story.

Back to the movie, Anna Wintour, isn't much of a conversationalist, but what she is good at is making a decision based on her vision of what Vogue is saying for the season. Audiences saw her influence with breaking in new designers and her dedication. I couldn't imagine what her schedule is like. She doesn't have time to ponder about a decision. She's got to act on instinct. With Anna being so heavy and stoic on film, there needed to be a bright spot and that would be Andre Leon Talley. He's so out there and fashion fabulous that you can't help but smile or in my case laugh at his loud use of fashion. At one point he arriveed at the tennis court with a Louis Vuitton tennis racket case and lunch pail that held his water bottles. It was funny, but deep down I'd love own both.

While you watch you can't help but think back to, "The Devil wears Prada". I wanted to see the assistant(s) and wanted to see where she put her coats. We got a glimpse of one assistant, maybe two, and the rest was her interacting with her creative staff about clothing choices and inspiration. I'm sure that was a choice.

At 10pm on a Sunday night I found a magazine shop open on 14th Street and picked up the September issue.

:-)

Long Weekend

This is nothing like a long weekend approaching. I just found out our office is closing at 2pm Friday. That means I can see a movie or something before heading home. It will be perfect.

It's the little things.

Weekend

This had to be one of the most unproductive weekends ever. Mainly because I meant to clean and throw stuff away but this is what really happened.

Friday - Saw a play
Saturday - Went to Co Op city (The Bronx) for a food tasting - Sick that evening
Sunday - Sick (no cleaning accomplished)

The highlight was taking a ride out to Co Op City. The bus took about 45 minutes, but it was a straight shot out there. The buildings are gigantic with shopping malls and a 13 screen movie theatre complex. I had heard of Co Op city, but didn't know what it was about. I thought it was a housing project (public housing), but come to find out the residents own their spaces. The income requirements for owning was eye opening (Click Co-Op to see). The organizers of this community definitely want it for low to moderate income people. What a concept. Housing in New York City for people who don't make six figures and above. I just wonder how the air quality is out there. I've heard reports that so many children raised in the Bronx have asthma. Do I hear conspiracy theory?

Being sick on Sunday caused me to watch the rest of the major TV shows on my DVR (except for The Twilight Zone marathon). With that out of the way I can now get back to my video games.

Oblivion
Killzone 2
Fat Princess

Imagine, I'm in a warm apartment, can't have the air on because I start to sneeze uncontrollably and I'm drinking and eating like it's going out of style. Oh and then sleeping. It did wonders because I feel a lot better this morning at work in air conditioning.

What a difference a day makes! Happy Monday.

Venus in Pisces

I had to share. Venus is the love planet and for me, it's located in Pisces. Unfortunately, it's not the best placement.

What You're Like...

You can be a dreamy person that has an ideal in your mind of the soul mate of your dreams. It's easy for you to fall in love, or with an idea of who someone is, but you also are easily wounded. You're sensitive, and can adapt to the moods of others, often losing yourself in the process. It's important to learn the art of self-protection, so you're not tossed about in a sea of emotion. It's also hard for you to set personal boundaries, at times, and you'll likely long to merge with your beloved. That's why it can take awhile for you to get over hurts and disappointments when things go wrong.

Quality and Element: Mutable and Water

In Love and Romance: For you, love can be a mystical experience with the right person. You're impressionable, so it's important to learn to weed out those that would take advantage of your sensitive and yielding nature. You tend to fall in love at first sight, and you might not see the red flags passing in front of your face. Even if someone treats you badly, you're liable to hold onto the connection, choosing to see through rose-colored glasses.

Friendship Style: Your kind heart can lead you to go out of your way for friends, but also for any person or animal in need. This makes you a thoughtful listener, with an extraordinary capacity to empathize. But often this blurs the lines, and you get overinvolved with the emotional burdens of others. When younger, you might get bossed around a lot, but find the strength later to direct your course more. More than most signs, you'll need to steer clear of those that drain you, and gravitate to those that uplift you.

Creative Expression: You've got a vivid, poetic imagination that seems almost divinely inspired. Your work may have otherworldly themes, and involve dreams, past lives, the invisible bonds we share, and our link to the spirit world. You can inhabit the emotions of others, making you a natural for acting and other fields of performance.

The Big Attraction: There's something mystical about you that appeals to the dreamer in all of us. You're able to read things on a symbolic level, which lends some magic to your relationships. Your genuine kindness makes people trust you, and meet you with an open heart. You can have a fluid, graceful demeanor, and your imagination makes you an engaging conversationalist.

Winning Your Heart: You may wait for others to make the first move, so an ideal lover will be an initiator type. It's best for you to avoid those that are detached and speak of keeping things casual. You won't want to linger around harsh, abrasive people, or those wrapped up in the mundane. You're drawn to the artists and dreamers of the world.

Jim and/or Jackie's Restaurant

I was down for a wedding in Maryland this weekend and stumbled on this tasty joint. I had a bacon cheeseburger w/ fries with some homemade yellow cake with chocolate icing Friday and Sunday Lasagna with Bread Pudding. I forgot to take pictures, but rest assured it was great.

Sometimes you don't need long lines and expensive food to give you a memorable experience.

Hometown this weekend

I went to celebrate a friend's birthday. It was great. Friday was the birthday party. Saturday it was like old times, shopping, meeting new people and headed to a bar. Sunday I was supposed to go to a crab feast, but mass transit didn't work in my favor.

So, my mom and I hung out, which was nice. Even eating together was so special for me. She cooked some of my favorites:

• Pancakes
• Roast Beef
• Corn Pudding
• Peach Cobbler
• Lemonade

Those things are little, but mean so much to me. My mom turns 70 this year and I know I won't have her forever. Little by little it hits me. The more it hits me, the more moments like seeing her, eating her food and just chit chatting about politics or TV shows like Big Brother become moments that i imprint on my mind. My extended family isn't that close and I think about what will be my connection to family after she's gone.

To my friends. I care about you more that you know. I support you and love you with all my heart.

-kevin

Fat Princess

Now it would seem that this image is harmless and for little kids. Well looks can be deceiving. It's actually a very violent game with blood and gore. It's $14.99 and well worth it. Not that you care, but it's one of the highly anticipated games for PS3 owners this summer.

And the Phone goes to...

the Palm Pre

I did it. I got the phone I like and didn't leave my current carrier to do so. Here's my first of many photos taken from my new device.

Taking a Leap

Pre or the “other phone”

What do I get?

Do I switch carriers?

Do I purchase a first generation phone?

What about the video camera?

What’s wrong with my phone now? Nothing!! I know that but what do I do? Wait? I feel I’m always waiting for the next thing (phone, computer, TV, etc.) but I feel that next year the palm pre will be even better next year with a redesigned keyboard and video camera. Those items aren’t deal breakers, but for $199. I’d love to have them. It’s hard to purchase the pre when I can get the “other” phone for the same price with a video camera. Decisions! Decisions!

Phone carriers in the United States are in two different camps. GSM and CDMA. I have Sprint so I have a CDMA phone. CDMA’s have great data service, but one thing I can’t do is talk on the phone and surf the web at the same time. No biggie. I don’t talk on the phone often anyway. I want a data device/communication device. Plus other carriers have be strained with the “other” phone. Their plans are a lot more expensive as well.

The pre is a 1^st generation device and normally people warn against people purchasing a 1^st gen, but this case is different. When you stack this 1^st gen product up against other phones released this year it competes rather nicely. That says so a lot about the thought put into this device. Aside from a few design flaws (keyboard)/omissions(video camera) it’s great and it’s a touchscreen phone. I just love the idea of a touchscreen phone.

Yes the palm pre will be my next phone. I’m just waiting until I pull the trigger. So to sum it up…

2007 – Blackberry 8830

2009 – palm pre

2011 – that “other” phone (by that time it will be perfect and hopefully on a different carrier)

Big Brother 11

At first I thought this was stupid, but when it actually changed game play in the house I was pleasantly surprised. Now, if one team member gets HOH (Head of Household) then the entire team is safe. Change is good, because the houseguests have to change their game play.

So my favorite team members are in two camps:

• Best looking
• Best game play

I have to say Russell if my overall favorite. On the best looking side runner up is Jeff. I’d have to say that Ronnie (the idiot) attempting to strategize, but he’s doing a poor job. Lydia isn’t so bad either. I don’t necessarily like them all, but they are playing the game HARD. So, they are very entertaining to watch. My hope is that these cliques are dropped and people like Kevin and Michelle have to fend for themselves without the protection from good players from their team. This week Jordan and Laura are nominated for eviction and shouldn’t be. I wanted Natalie or Jessie to go home, but they were spared because Ronnie believes that the Athletes will have his back at the end. NOT!

Let my summer obsession begin.

New Killzone 2 DLC

Downloadable content for Killzone 2. I have to get that.

This Saturday marks a milestone. I haven't played my PS3 in a full seven days! I'm shocked. I'm home and watching Big Brother After Dark. I have so many games to play too:

Oblivion
Killzone 2
Burnout Paradise
Little Big Planet
inFamous
warhawk
Uncharted
Grand Theft Auto
Fallout 3

I'm going to start up again tonight after I get back from Target.

My New Obsession...The Palm Pre

I'm checking the blogs all day and seeing what's new and what's tired (the Pre's music app being blocked by a certain company) and the more I see it the more I want to use it in my world.

I have a Blackberry that works for email, but the web sucks. The applications suck and there's not much on board memory for the apps available at the Blackberry App World. Enter the iconic phone from the "fruit" store. It's a great phone, web and multimedia device...BUT you've got be on a certain carrier. A carrier that I don't like and don't care to give money to.

Enter the Palm Pre. It's on Sprint. It has a great web device and until yesterday I would have been able to sync it with the music on my computer. On top of all that it's a multi-tasking device that can manage Pandora while responding to emails and IM's. The crowning feature that the Pre offers for me is "synergy". Synergy takes all your contact information from Facebook, Google, AIM and placing it automatically into your one contact. I find that invaluable. I have so many account. To have it all in one place will make life easy.

Design wise I like the fact that it has an actual keyboard, gesture area and fits nicely in my hand. I look at my phone usage now and I really don't need a new phone. Why should I drop $324.04 for a new phone when I don't need one? I might as well get a PSP before I get that. I don't even talk on the phone much.

That's my obsession. Today during lunch I almost got one, but stopped. I'm so dang frugal. I keep thinking,

"What will I do with my blackberry???"

"I know, sell it."

Which leads me to the next thing....what can I get for it. I checked craigslist and I might be able to get $100 for it. That leaves me with a cost of $99. I should have mentioned that there is a mail in rebate for $100.

$99 plus tax. I can swing that.

Can't have it all

Jay Brannan

A Fine Wine

This year Pride was not on my radar. Sunday I worked and surprisingly ran into someone I hadn't seen in a while. While that was nice, I had hoped to get out of Chelsea as soon as possible. I never thought I would never see the day that I wasn't excited for the parties and mischief that happens Pride Weekend.

I love to shop? I'm not so sure anymore. I recently bought a dress shirt from Banana Republic because I needed one. I don't remember the last time I just walked the streets of SoHo or Barney's uptown to look for a bargain.

What's happening??

I'm getting older and I really appreciate the time that I have in peace and quiet to reflect and play my video games. ;-)

I'm gonna make a change for once in my life..

Man in the Mirror is still my favorite song ever. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change...

AMEN!!!

Words can't express what Michael Jackson has meant to me. I remember when my cousin Anthony (God rest his soul) told me that I had to listen to this album called Off the Wall. He loved it and said I should too. I always listened to Anthony, so I listened and loved it. I was hooked. I watched the Jackson's cartoon Saturday morning, but my musical taste really hadn't formed. For people who grew up in the 80's you know that music brought people together. Popular music was everyone's music. I can still remember Rock with You. Still one of the hottest dance singles ever!

My dad brought home the Thriller on LP and I remember I wasn't allowed to touch it because I had scratched previous records and this one was special. We put it on and the first song I wanted to hear was "Billie Jean" because they were playing it on the radio. I was fascinating by the video and the lights that lit up as he moved around. There was "Beat it" and then Thriller. He changed everything for me. A story told through music and dance.

Growing up the only child I had lots of playtime and a whole house as my playground. I would go downstairs to the family room and dance around like Michael did. That was huge because I was a shy child outside of my house. Shy, introverted and overweight with glasses, but I was a dancing fool in the house. Home was a safe place and Michael Jackson was a way for me to get physical without judgement. To this day I can recall all the dance steps to Thriller. I'm glad there's no video of that!!

At the time where was so much happening...Return of the Jedi, E.T, and Michael Jackson. It was a great time to be a kid.

I was shocked and saddened, buy his passing and my prayers go out to his friends and family.

I LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!!

Being Critical

I'm the first one to say that I wanted Hilary Clinton to be our 44th President and mainly for one reason...Healthcare. Healthcare should be the number one priority in this country. For one, a country is only strongest as the health of it's people. Healthy people make proactive choices about their lives and not reactive ones. Clinton had a plan for healthcare that took the power away from the insurance companies. November came and went and now we've have Obama to take the torch and overhaul the Healthcare system in the "rich" and "powerful" United States of America.

Unfortunately, I don't think Obama wants dramatic change. He's looking to the Insurance companies (who are the problem) to fix a system that makes them billions of dollars. Really!

Yes you can be critical of the first African American President of the United States. He should welcome the criticism. Bring it on! My suggestion to Obama...stand up for something! You've been too silent on a few issues in this country and it's time to stand up!

• Gay Marriage in California
• Don't Ask, Don't tell
• Healthcare (he's holding a press conference today)

He's got the Democratic control of the House and the Senate. There's nothing stopping overhauling the Healthcare system. You know what's stopping him...The Healthcare lobby. Looks like the insurance companies have bought and paid for our Congressmen and President. I wonder how many American dollars it took.

A New Camera

Friday May 29th I went to B's birthday dinner in Hell's Kitchen at Meskerem 47 (an Ethiopian Restaurant). The food was different, good but different. I had some deliciously sweet honey wine though (maybe too much). During the evening we took a few pictures to document the food and guests present.

Afterwards we left the restaurant and headed for the train station at 42nd and 8th Avenue, dropped off a few friend and I walked a friend to 57th street, to her bus to the upper east side. I approached Columbus Circle for the train I needed uptown and realized my camera was gone. I knew I had it on my shoulder when I left the restaurant, but couldn't remember if I had it when I got to 42nd street.

I checked the restaurant and retraced my steps and no camera. I was pissed and went home. There was no contact information inside the camera. I decided to put an ad on Craiglist's Lost and Found section as one last hope.

Two days went by and no email. Monday, I bought a Canon camera for $129.99. It was a good thing because the video from the camera uploaded easily to my mac for editing in iMovie. That's a huge plus. Thursday, I got an email that asked me to describe some of the pictures taken on the camera. I did and they said they had my camera! I picked it up the next day and thanked him again and again.

This is what happened... the couple was walking to their car from seeing a Broadway show and found the camera. After finding no contact information inside, they had their "assistant" look on Craigslist where they found my ad. Before picking up the camera I offered them a Border's Books Gift Card and they refused. He did suggest that I put come contact information on the camera.

Now I have two cameras. I going to give the Sony to my mom and keep the Canon.

Note to you:

• Make sure your camera has contact info on the camera. You never know.
• Also, watch that Honey Wine.

UP...the movie

I went to the Ziegfeld theatre Saturday night to see a man with balloons attached to his house. I had heard it was amazing. Amazing was an understatement. I thought it was thought provoking and a sign that brave storytelling is really happening with Pixar Entertainment.

I won't say what happens, but I will say it's about letting go. Its' about opening up and commitment. I cried at various points in the movie because you saw this character struggle to let go of the past and stand on his own to feet with new friends beside him. The courage he displayed was inspiring.

Pixar movies always do it to me.

Bruno July 10th

I can't wait to see this movie. I'm sure it's going to be funny and the jokes may go a little long, but it will be a great look at homophobia around the world.

The fact that he's so handsome is like icing on the cake.

Burnout Paradise Big Surf Island

I've always been a fan of racing games. The speed, the customizable cars and the competition. Burnout Paradise has been a joy to play, especially Cops and Robbers and the new Big Surf Island. This is how I think games should be done. $19.99 plus additional for DLC. I race and do challenges online. So much fun.

PS3 Price Cut

I've been hearing so much about how the Playstation 3 (80G) price should be cut from $399 to $299 to be more competitive to the Xbox 360 Pro Console system. I don't think it should. If those people looked at both systems they would see why that doesn't need to happen.

The Xbox 360 has

• 60G Hard Drive (Microsoft only)
• Wired headset
• Ethernet cable
• Backwards compatibility
• $50.00 a year charge for online gaming
• Hard drive failure(s)

The Playstation 3 has

• 80G Hard Drive (replaceable with standard laptop)
• Wireless Ready
• Blu-Ray Player
• Free online gaming
• Variety of exclusive content/games
  

A big selling point for me was the PS3 being wireless ready. I just don't need anymore cables in my apartment. In order to get wireless with the Xbox 360 you must purchase a $100 add on from Microsoft. So, with wireless both systems would be equal in price. Come on people look beyond the price and see the value in the PS3. I'm not saying don't get the Xbox 360. I'm saying look at the features.

This sounds like the same argument Microsoft has with another company named after a fruit.

Twitter

I like Twitter and I've been twittering since 2007. Now that it's a big thing, people are asking, "What is Twitter and why should I use it?". How ridiculous!

My answer..."If you have to ask, then don't use it."

Car Hits Train

Really, Really??

Ikea via water taxi

Ikea Port
Originally uploaded by kevinholdenpics

I took a boat from Pier 11 to Brooklyn. It was serene and a perfect ride on a beautiful day. I bought sheets that I have to return because they were shams when I really wanted sheets. UGH!!

This Weekend's Treat

A treat to myself....can't wait to take a bite out of this game this weekend.

New Game Obsession

I can't recommend this game enough. For $26.99 it has to be one of the best purchases I've made since I got the PS3. The video below says everything I'd say about the game!

A New Game...Fallout 3

This one was on my list for a while. I got it at a great discount with Virgin Megastore going out of business, but haven't started because I'm working on Bioshock.

Too many games...so little time!

Tom Welling

Right now I'm watching some season finales of different shows I watch.

I've watched Smallville since the beginning. I missed a couple of seasons because I wasn't able to keep up. I'm not going to lie. He's one of the reasons that I started watching the show in the first place.

Prince of Persia

Video games are really coming to the forefront. We have heartthrob Jack G. playing the Prince. Guess I'll have to spend another $12.50 on this movie.

He's Back

July 7th 2009! I'll be there!

I saw him in concert in October and he was fantastic. I'm hoping this album delivers some sexy and heartfelt moments. Music needs that.

Little Big Planet

This is one creative game. After you play the single player mode you can create your own levels and have you friend play them. It's brilliant. Daft Punk offers the music. Enjoy

Saturday Afternoon

I tore myself away from my PS3 Saturday and went down to the Sony Store. It's divided up into two sections: TV's and PS3, headphones, Mp3 players, etc. There's even a Starbucks inside.

Again I thought the store was poorly merchandised. It was difficult finding the PS3 area. I should see it big as day. Oh well, I just hope Sony gets it together for the E3 conference in June.

Prototype

I thought I had gotten over my squemishness with video game violence, but the following trailer for Prototype looks intense.  All I think about is, "kids play this"?

Video Games - Cheat Codes - Video Game Trailers

Gaming quote

I heard this great quote about the 3 big players in the gaming world.

• Microsoft owns the office
• Sony owns the living room
• Nintendo owns the closet

Yep and it's so true. People who bought into the hype of the Wii think it's great, but if you ask them when they play it they normally say, "when people are over". Eventually it gets shelved into the closet until company comes over to play.

Tony Award Nominations Tomorrow

I didn't see much this season, but I saw some good stuff and here are my picks for show that should be nominated.

Hair
Next to Normal
Desire Under the Elms
Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Billy Elliot
reasons to be pretty

General w/ Scout Badge

I did it! Wednesday night. I've gotten all the badges now I need the secondary badges! This is my favorite badge, but it's fun to use too!

This game is incredible. Tonight can download two new maps for online play!

Killzone DLC

My favorite game is still Killzone 2.  This is an extra special week because new downloadable content is coming to the Playstation Network this Thursday for $5.99. 

After two months I still love this game.  The multiplayer is such an exciting and immersive experience that I forget that I've been playing for two hours straight.  You should see me, I have mic and I'm working with other team members (when they have mics) to achieve our objectives.

The Multiplayer experience is based on a point scale.  The higher the points the higher your rank.  Certain ranks unlock certain abilities (badges).  

• Master Sergeant /Medic Badge - 350 pts.
  
• Lieutenant /Engineer Badge - 800 pts.
  
• Major /Tactician Badge - 1450 pts.
  
• Lieutenant Colonel /Assault Badge - 1850 pts.
  
• Colonel /Saboteur Badge - 2300 pts.

• General /Scout Badge - 2800 pts. (I need 232 pts.)
  

The game isn't over once you get to General.  There are lots of secondary abilities that add soooo much more to the game.  For example, the Engineer can set up turrents throughout the maps and when you get a certain amount of kills per set you can unlock the ability to repair ammo boxes and other turrents throught the game.  

Teamwork is the exciting part for me.  Communicating with your teammates that there's a sniper nearby or that the enemies are coming for the Assassination target and to find cover is just brilliant.  It's the kind of gameplay that blows my mind.  I would never have thought of that when I was 9 and playing my Atari 2600.  I was recruited to be a member of The Outkast Clan.  I haven't played yet, but looking forward to some team matches.

So Thursday is like Christmas for me and only for $5.99.  When you factor in how much I've enjoyed this game and the time I've spent and saved on restaurants, I've actually saved money in the long run.  Below is a video of the two maps that are coming to Killzone 2.

Happy Earth Day

Today is the day when we express our gratitude for our miracle of a planet. I'm grateful for:

• air
• ground
• electricity
• plants/trees
• water
• animals
• fruit

It goes without saying...

• Playstation 3
• Scarf
• MP3 player
• Job(s)
• internet
• health

Thank you Earth. I couldn't do it without you.

The Gay Idol...

Americans are so confused. They love "talent", but when someone's personal life comes into conflict with their own "prejudice" the focus turns to a social dilemma.

Judge this person by their talent and take a good look in the mirror.

(link is to the new york times article)

Virgin Megastore

is closing in Union Square.  The Times Square location is already closed, but now we have a month before this one closes as well.  Too bad.  I got some great music that I couldn't find anywhere else.  I guess now I will order off of Amazon.com  I took this photo during lunch.

NPR's News and Notes

Slowly but surely options for people looking for news geared toward African Americans are fading.

Yes, BET exists but they cancelled their news program.  Explain to me how a network named Black Entertainment Television can't devote thirty minutes (even once a week) to a news program.  Oh well, Bob Johnson made a ton of money when he sold the network.

NPR (National Public Radio) that basin of diversified opinion cancelled their News and Notes program.  That show served the public and NPR even gets government funding.  I'd like to know who said it should be silenced.   It should just make sense that this program stay on the air.  The show "Wait, wait, Don't Tell Me" may get more ratings, but it doesn't mean that it's more important than News and Notes.

There are websites with tons of commentary...

BlackNews

AOL Black Voices

Black Report

Black Star News

Even with those informative sites, there's nothing like hearing a panel discussions about current events.  

I looked up their diversity statement and found...

Diversity at NPR

"National Public Radio will serve the individual; it will promote personal growth rather than corporate gains; it will regard the individual differences among men with respect and joy rather than derision and hate; it will celebrate the human experience as infinitely varied rather than vacuous and banal; it will encourage a sense of active, constructive participation, rather than apathetic helplessness."
-- Bill Siemering, NPR Co-Founder

NPR, please bring back News and Notes.  Take a look at the news landscape and you'll see there IS a place that News and Notes needs to fill.  As a service to the public you must provide it as a public service.  All voices must be heard.

(pic is of the News and Notes staff by Melissa Kuypers)

Don't do it Obama

You've got to fix heathcare for the United States instead of giving illegal immigrants a free ride.  

I'll say it again..."just because you committed a crime 30 years ago and didn't get caught doesn't make it legal now!"

(click title for the New York Times article)

PS3 milestone

The Playstation 3 outselling the Wii!! That's great. It may not last long, but at least some people are realizing that the PS3 is a great value and gaming console for people serious about playing games.

I'm so happy with my choice!

I'm reading a book called, The Race for the New Game Machine. It shows how Microsoft's chip was based on work that Sony, IBM and Toshiba had done for the PS3. I'm not done with it yet, but it's a fascinating look at the drama behind how the PS3 and Xbox 360 chips were developed.

Hair Open on Broadway, Tonight

One of my favorite shows, but not sure if I will see it. Part envy and part I've seen it about four times! I just had to give a shout out!

Sick Days

Well,

After being out Thursday and Friday from work I'm back and feeling better. Who knew there was still a flu going around. I am thankful and blessed to have a job. I still got paid even though I was out of the office for two days. Everyone in this country can't say that. People go to work sick.

Health (taking a deep breath)...

I don't take my health for granted. Soon in this great country of ours only the rich and poor will have peace of mind about their ability to have affordable health care. The rest will be hoping and praying that an expensive illness doesn't come knocking on their door.

Here are some yearly costs for treating certain cancers...

• Prostate $41,134
• Lung $39,891
• Breast $20,964

You might say, "I have health insurance and I'm covered, think again." If you've got a 80/20 split (regarding co-pay) and have Lung cancer you still have to come up with $7,978.20 a year for treatment. That's not even mentioning loss of work and transportation costs.

Let's say you lose your job. COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to keep your current company's insurance rate (for a limited time), but now you have to pay that expensive monthly bill. For me it would cost almost $500 a month to keep my company's insurance rate. Single plans are a lot more expensive. Try $1077.78 a month for an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). Add that to your cancer cost and you've got a bill of $21,989.34 for the year.

Imagine getting laid off, unable to pay your bills, you have cancer and can't get new, possibly cheaper insurance because you have a pre-existing condition (cancer). Meanwhile, you have mounting costs for that you won't be able to pay back. Why do we allow this to continue in this country without outrage? I'll tell you why!

Because we are health now. When you are sick you won't be up to fighting the system. You need to reserve your strength to fight your illness. Think about it. The fight needs to happen now.

I thought if quit my job and took a low paying job to get me on the poverty level. I could have food stamps (for free food), medicaid (for free health care) and my housing cost subsidized by the state. Why should I work everyday. There is no incentive for everyday hard working people to be honest when you have people making 40 million dollars a year AND doing an awful job. I see why people take advantage of the system. It's so clear now.

That's my story...now back to work.

Their move...now what?

Something is fishy about this.  The insurance companies have every reason to be on the offensive.   When this economy gets on better footing the next project with be reforming health care in this country.  They are frightened of being put out of business.  I have no sympathy for companies that deny coverage to people who pay hundred of dollars a month to be covered.

Requiring all Americans to carry the insurance that already exists is a problem (click title for article).   Just because they want to ease restrictions on people who are already sick (pre-existing conditions).  There are still fundamental problems such as:

1. Pre-existing conditions (exclusion)
   
2. Procedures that aren't covered
   
3. Business plan model - (current system is set up to decrease cost/care and make money)
   
4. Cost of Premiums
   
5. Dental & Vision Excluded
   

I was a supporter of Hilary Clinton because of this main reason.  I'm not a huge fan of Obama's Heath care plan of putting health care in the hands of private companies and supplementing that with tax credits.  If teaching our children are important enough to put that under state control, then so is health care.  It's a no brainer.  I don't have children and my income taxes go toward educating children I don't have.  If you want to participate in Universal Heath Care, you don't have to.

I hope Obama makes them shake in their boots.  Personally, I'll wait in line and deal with issues with Universal Health Care.  I'd rather know I'm getting health care instead of wishing and hoping for it even after I pay $600 a month for standard bare bones care.

Twitter Rant

I like Twitter and have been using it for years. I have discovered some great websites and applications while participating in the community.

Now that it has hit the "mainstream" (i.e. there was a New York Times article) I'm tired of having people ask me over and over again, what is it for.

Below is my answer...

"Check twitter.com and if you don't know it's possibly not for you!" Goodness, is it that hard to understand?

Off Broadway Shines

Wow I don't remember the last time there was so much theatre written by black folk that was being staged at the same time. Outside of Hedda Gabbler (with Mary Louise Parker) it's the only reason I have to see the theatre. Everything else out there seems forgettable. Here's my list.


Ruined by Lynn Nottage
I love this playwright. She wrote of my favorite plays of this decade Intimate Apparell. Her stories are like fabric. Woven with care and attention to detail. I can't wait to see it.

The Good Negro by Tracey Scott Wilson
Don't know much about it, but it has quite a buzz going about it.


Inked Baby by Christina Anderson
Sounds like a good drama! More melodramatic, but at least black people aren't dancing and singing. I like singing and dancing, but it's great to see a variety of artistic expression.

Julia Roberts is...over?

SO WHAT the movie didn't open at #1. Would children or teenagers want to see two real actors in a romantic/suspenseful/comedy??...NO!!

They want to see a doomsday or bromance movie.

That's fine and makes a lot of sense. I didn't see it either, but that's because movies are $12.50 plus $1.00 if you're buying online. Seeing a movie and getting popcorn can cost you on average $24.50. That's ridiculous. Can you see why I buy video games for $17.99 and fix my own dinner (when I cook)? I get more food and hours upon hours of entertainment.

That's exactly what I did Friday night sans the cooking! I like Julia a lot, but the next movie I'm seeing is Monsters vs. Aliens this weekend.

Killzone 2 Medic Ability

I finally got this badge unlocked last night. This one I'm looking forward to because it's more than just extra weapons. It's about strategy.